Purity and hallmarks

Pure gold is too soft to withstand the stresses of daily use, so it is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, palladium, and zinc to give it strength and durability.
Our 18k gold is composed of 75 percent gold, alloyed with 25 percent other metals. Not only does this make the piece more valuable, it makes it strong enough to withstand daily use while maintaining its traditional, rich golden colour.

While there are accepted purity hallmarks for platinum, ranging from 850 - 999 parts per 1000, the majority of our platinum pieces is 95 percent pure platinum combined with 5 percent iridium, palladium, ruthenium or other alloys.

There are three compulsory hallmarks applied to precious metals as a quality control: a sponsor's mark (ours is SH), a fineness mark, and an assay office mark. These marks establish the origin and fineness of the precious metal and ensure it has been accurately and independently tested. For guaranteed quality in platinum, look for the correct 950 or 999 hallmarks along with the sponsor's mark and assay office mark.

All our precious metals are assayed and hallmarked.

All stuarthughes.com diamonds are certified. They are handpicked to ensure the highest quality. Our diamonds are guaranteed to be conflict free. We only purchase diamonds through the most respected suppliers who, like us, proudly have a zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds

Diamonds

Natural diamonds are pure carbon, formed into crystals deep below the earths crust millions of years ago. There are no two diamonds alike, each one is unique.

Diamond is distinctive in the way it reflects light. It has a unique brilliance and also breaks the light up into spectral colours, which reflect within the stone as it is moved. Another unusual quality of a Diamond is its purity. A quality diamond is among the purest elements found in nature.

We can be drawn to diamonds, not only for their natural beauty and elegance, but also for the history and timeless magic associated with them. There is no gemstone as indestructible, rare, precious, beautiful or magical, and it's these qualities that make the diamond the symbol of love.

Platinum

Platinum is the most desireable precious metal in the world. For its beauty, purity, and rarity, platinum has become one of the ultimate expressions of wealth, extravagance, and indulgence.

Pure white and eternal, platinum is the perfect choice, it never tarnishes nor loses its pure lustre.

Platinum appeals to many people today because of its subtle beauty and elegant understatement. Although platinum is becoming more popular, it is still the exception and is the choice of exceptional people.

Classic design and quality will never go out of fashion, neither will platinum.

Gold

Gold has long been synonymous with wealth, opulence and nobility. Men and women have lusted after gold ever since its discovery seven thousand years ago.

Gold has been admired and valued for its warmth, beauty, sensuality, and its spiritual richness.

Gold is still the ultimate metal, continuing to provoke in us profound and powerful feelings, fulfilling us spiritually and sensually, connecting us to each other, to our pasts, to our futures. Our emotions are reflected in it. Our lives are enriched by it.

All Stuart Hughes Designs are hallmarked according to ASSAY specifications.